Senate Seeks Additional N9bn For Nigeria Railways

The Senate on Thursday, demanded additional N9bn for the Nigeria Railways Corporation in the 2021 budget.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Danjuma Goje, said this after submitting the 2021 budget report of the Marine Transport and Land Transport to the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

The former Gombe State governor said the money was for the smooth take off of the Lagos-Ibadan railway, Abuja – Kano and Warri – Itakpe railway lines.

He said, “Lagos – Ibadan railway, Abuja – Kano and Warri – Itakpe are expected to start operations next year.

“Adequate provision has not been made for personnel cost for the railway. We have made a case to the Appropriation Committee to give the Nigeria Railway Corporation a minimum of additional N9bn for the take off,” he said.

Speaking during the presentation, the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended the committee for an effective legislative exercise.

He promised to act on the report of the committee and make necessary appropriation.